UC Irvine Launches Pitch Lab With Recording Gear and AI Tools

Students at UC Irvine can now rehearse presentations in a dedicated private space equipped with professional recording devices and artificial intelligence feedback systems. The facility, known as the Santora Pitch Lab, opened this week within the ANTrepreneur Center. It is designed to allow students to practice speaking in front of an audience without the pressure of a live public event.

The lab features flexible layouts that accommodate both small group workshops and large presentations. It includes immersive displays and recording equipment that capture student performance. AI tools analyze these recordings to provide immediate feedback on delivery and content. This setup allows students to refine their messages before pitching to investors, presenting research, or applying for jobs.

Kathleen and Mark Santora, longtime university supporters, funded the project. The couple stated that the lab is open to students from every department and major. Kathleen Santora said the goal is to treat communication skills like an athletic discipline. She noted that students require training, coaching, and mentorship to achieve excellence in public speaking. Mark Santora added that the space supports diverse needs, from startup pitches to medical research presentations and art performances.

The facility follows the Santoras' previous contributions to the university. Their earlier donations helped build the Santora Elite Training Center, an athletics facility for student-athletes. The new pitch lab extends that focus on physical and mental preparation to verbal communication. Ryan Foland, director of the ANTrepreneur Center, described the space as a true laboratory for stimulating real-world pitching and interview situations.

Tyler Maher, a class of 2026 graduate, used the lab to develop his startup, Transfermatic. The platform helps community college students transfer to four-year universities. Maher credited the lab with providing a safe environment to make mistakes and test his pitches. He subsequently won the Stella Zhang New Venture Competition. Foland said that giving a student access to a microphone in a private space can be a major factor in their success.

The lab is now available for use by the student body. It serves as a bridge between academic concepts and professional execution. The space allows students to iterate on their presentations with data-driven feedback. This resource is part of the university's effort to enhance student career readiness and communication proficiency.